Hey Everyone,

I have finally updated! I have no excuse, I know. As for those who were kind enough ot ask how I was doing, I am much better. I'm basically healed, and to top it off, I'M ENGAGED. To Mr. Long-term boyfriend to boot. We decided we'd been together too long to really break things off. Wedding's in December. Anyway, back to the story. This also includes the "Lullaby" from my deleted story if any of you remember it. Anyway, please forgive me and criticism is welcome.

-Vine

Same Day

Running down the street, my feet clomped on the cobble stones as I finally rounded a corner. A tall man wearing a fine embroidered tunic was pressing a young woman against the wall. I hesitated for a moment, remembering my own position a few minutes ago, but as I watch the girl writhing against his arms, my eyes drew in as slits. Goddess damn me if I let him get away with this.

With a shout, I charged at him, hitting his side with my shoulder, using the weight of my body to knock him a little ways away. As he tried to regain his footing I turned to the girl. She herself was wearing a dress similar to mine, of well made material of someone who worked at a lord's home. Her hair ran in tangled clumps around her tear stricken face and red finger prints splashed her neck line where the scrum had grabbed her. Sinking to her knees, the young girl, a year or so younger than myself, looked up to me. Shock colored my visage as recognition sparked.

"Watch out Beka!" My sister screamed as I ducked under the blow the cove had launched at me. We continued our martial dance as his meaty charges advanced as I skidded past and threw in a few better positioned hits on critical places on his body. All in all, it wasn't too hard to subdue him though my distressed mind kept jumping over to where Diona sat huddled against the side of the wall.

Sidestepping yet another oncoming punch I grabbed at the whistle I kept on me for safety and blew. The shrill note carried across the night. I knew, without a doubt that reinforcements would be there soon. Hatred clouding my judgment I hit the man on the head with the heel of my palm causing him to stumble unconscious to the ground.

Glaring at him I turned and knelt at my little sister's feet as I heard footsteps coming closer.

Making soft cooing noises, I collected her into my arms as she clung to me, panic making her breath ragged. A moment later I saw Ersken, and the twins run towards me with Goodwin closing in a couple of minutes behind.

"What happened Cooper!" My older partner growled, as she looked down at us. I shrugged and whispered in the girl's ear.

"Diona, Hun, what happened? I need you to tell me what happened." I asked, but my questions just drew harder sobs. Sighing, I positioned myself so that I supported half her weight and placed her in a standing positioning, half leaning against the side of the building. "She won't tell me. That- that scummer over there was trying to force himself on her. I heard the screams and pulled him off."

Goodwin had a demonic light swimming in her eyes as the boys wore equally hard expressions throwing scowls in the directions of the unconscious man lying in the street. Before anyone had time to so much as speak, another group entered the alley way. Paying closer attention I noticed Sabine and her squire Kenneth. Behind her, I assumed, where what looked like guards or knights. The men Tunstall and Goodwin had said were to take over our shift tonight.

After that I stopped paying attentions, the guards were shouting with Goodwin and there was some sorts of controversy until eventually Lady Sabine barked them into order. With a flurry we were led away and threw the open streets towards the provost's house. As we were herded inside, I was separated from my sister long enough to switch into a uniform when suddenly, Lord Gershom charged forward, his eyes mad as he ran into the entrance hall. His wife was not far behind him.

Within moments, Diona was transferred from my care to that of the Lady Teodorie and a girl whom I vaguely registered as Lorine. Before I knew it I was being shoved into the study along with my dogs and Lady Sabine and a handful of other guards.

"What is the meaning of this? I was at a dinner when I was summoned home by a page by urgent message. Someone answer m and explain why a woman of my house was attacked!" The provost roared as he looked at us all. Chaos broke forth as each told his own story. For such an occurrence to happen against the household of a noble is despicable. It is the duty of a lord to protect his people.

"We don't know exactly, Beka had just finished off the scummer when we arrived at the screaming point. Goddess help he who dare insult her on her festival night." Goodwin spat, but before she could continue here was yet another interruption. The doors flew open as the Duke of Queensgrove rushed in, flanked by soldiers in his coat of arms.

The elder man's graying hair flew across his forehead, his face red underneath the pox marks. "How dare you arrest my son!" he raised his hand and pointed towards the provost, forcing the rest of us in defense. I clenched my jaw to keep from lashing out. I could feel adrenaline pulsing back in my veins and throwing me back into focus.

"Calm yourself Alastor. This is not the time or place. Sir Davis is being held under the king's law and will await his judgment like the rest." The provost told him sharply, his dark eyes glittering. I could feel my vein throbbing on my forehead. That imbecile I met a few days afore with Kenneth? Mithros smite him!

The Duke seemed not to here my lord. "Where's that wretch who dared touch my heir? I'll have her hanged I tell you!"

"Guardswoman Rebakah Cooper has proven herself to be an asset to this city. She is under my jurisdiction and protected the honor of an innocent from your spawn."

"Hold your tongue Gershom! There are more than a few that would like to see you put back in your place. Women working on the streets pretending to be officers of the law; It's pathetic. Throw them back to the brothels where they belong!"

It was quiet enough that we could probably hear the Scanran king snoring from here. Around me I heard the cling of metal as tensions rose in the room. Lady Sabine however, unfazed as ever, stepped up and crossed her arms next to my lord.

"It would seem your words would hold more sway with your parlor friends than with real fighters. Get out of my home. Leave or I shall have you escorted out." The Lord Provost is not a small man. Having him stare you down, his eyes drawn in slits, you learn to listen fast.

The Duke stayed for only a moment longer, puffing his chest before storming out. For what seemed like an eternity, my Lord Gershom sighed.

"I'd like to speak with Cooper alone. I'll get any other reports in the morning. Clear my office everyone."

The others looked at each other before grudgingly exiting the office until only Lady Sabine casually leaned against the edge of the Provost's desk. He gave her a sharp look that she returned.

"If you don't mind My Lord, but I have a proposition for you and Cooper that may pertain to this." Sabine stated plainly, crossing her arms over the chain mail over her chest. I cocked my head sideways, curious.

"Very well. Beka, is there anything else you wish to add? No, well then. Go check on your siblings, but be expecting a messenger later. Queensgrove will be a nightmare to manage. You are dismissed."

I nodded and assented, leaving the room with both nobles boring a hole through my back. I heard their voices start up again the moment I closed the door. Luck was on my side as I wove through the halls and managed to bypass my cohort of friends. Passing into the servant corners, I took a left and entered the chambers of the waiting women.

Lorine sat nervously, wringing her hands on a stool near the wall. Seeing me through her bangs, she rushed over and hugged me fiercely.

"Beka! Thank the Goddess. Please tell me, what happened? I saw Diona, but My Lady is having her rest in one of the guest rooms for the night so she won't be disturbed." He voice shook a little before whispering, "Was it him? Did he hurt her?"

Glaring at anyone who tried to come close by, I led her to a corner and took her hands. 'She'll be just fine; I got there before he could really hurt her. Now Lorine, I need you to watch her and make sure he never nears her again. I'll drag that mumper to the Black God myself if he dare try." I cooed until she settled.

My sister was a pragmatic girl who didna allow emotions to cloud her thoughts. Once the initial shock wore off she'd be right as rain. Quietly, I asked if the boys knew.

"I doubt it Beka, but they'll hear it by dawn, or at least Will shall. The manor's likely to hold their tongue around Nilo though." She told me. I was sweaty and my dress was ruined, and now the night's chill was catching up with me. I needed a change see my brothers. With a nudge we were on our way to their rooms.

Will was pleased enough to see me, but his mood darkened when he heard our news. We left out most of the details to spare him, but I figured a growing cove would understand fast enough. With a kiss on his cheek I went to Nilo's room where he was supposed to be sleeping. I wanted to see him quickly before leaving, just to make sure he was alright as well.

I saw his figure in the small bed he slept in through the dark and smiled, leaning against the door frame. Lorine had brought me a cloak to wear that I gladly wrapped around myself. The bundle on the bed shifted and sat up.

"Beka? Is that you?" The soft voice croaked. I chuckled and moved toward the bed, kneeling on the ground. "You're here! I haven't seen you for a while."

"I know love, but why aren't you asleep?"

"I can't seem too. It happens every now and then but Will told me to just close my eyes tight. It eventually works, I guess." He told me, and his eyes were like bright orbs under his messy blond bangs. I patted his cheek.

"Nilo, when I was a babe Mama would sing me to sleep. Her song always worked would you like me to sing it for you?" I suggested. I was hesitant but mayhap it would work. For the moment I just wanted to forget the world and focus on my family and watching over them. All of them.

He beamed delightedly and agreed, lying back under the blankets and closing his eyes. I watched him and he cleared his throat, indicating I should start. Nervously, I hummed through a scale and began, grasping at my memory of the words.

Have no fear of the night

When the shadows come to life

Remember my hands in yours

Join in their dances

Laugh under the full moon

I will guide you to dream's shores

Know forever can not undo

The love I have for you

From the corner of my eye I saw Lorine and Will in the doorway, listening patiently. Though I doubted they remembered the song, they certainly recognized the tune I would hum as a young gixie. My deep alto gained confidence as it entered each sweeping note and continued it into the next fluidly, slowly.

There is light in your eyes

In the lanterns of the stars

Remain protected in their glow

Find peace in your thoughts

Let darkness kiss your cheek

For morning brings tomorrow

Know forever can not undo

The love I have for you

So sleep my dear one

And memorize my voice

Wipe the tears from your face

Dusk is not your enemy

See the world as your friend

Yield to night's embrace

Know forever can not undo

The love I have for you

My younger brother's breath was coming out evenly as I sat on the ground, kneeling over him and stroking his forehead. In the stillness, I rose and kissed each of my siblings on the cheek as I readied to return home. We said our goodbyes, and I headed out.

Just as I was about to exit the Provost's home entirely, I came to the guest quarters where I knew Diona was sleeping. Unable to master myself, I shimmied through the door and closed it behind me. The poor gixie had a rough night, and I didn't want to disturb her from her rest. I moved to her side of the bed and nuzzled her cheek with mine before pecking it. Without waiting too long, I got up and walked towards the door. As the hall torch streamed light in, I heard a tiny voice from behind me.

"Thank you, Beka." I stiffened but refused to turn. Loosening my muscles I smiled, and nodded without looking at her.

"Goodnight love."

I hope y'all liked it. The song is entirely mine. It's something I wrote a long time ago which I thought was appropriate. Please leave me a review, something short and sweet, a tirade, a thoughtful response, all are welcome. I would like to add that I don't want to be flamed, but harsh criticism is also welcomed. I simply believe common courtesy can be extended in a REVIEW, REVIEW, REVIEW! I will not update again until I have AT LEAST 75 reviews!!!!

Merci!